 The
Traveller with Asthma
Travelling should be enjoyable and worry-free if you take a few
precautions. If you are travelling interstate or overseas, here are the
most important points to remember.
- Visit your doctor well in advance of your
departure to ensure your asthma is under good
control when you leave. Tell your doctor your
destination in case there are any particular
precautions needed.
- Check that any medical insurance you take out will
specifically cover your asthma (contact your travel
agent or Asthma Foundation for advice).
- Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter
outlining the history and severity of your asthma
and your treatment. Take your written Asthma Action
Plan.
- Where possible, take all the medication you will
require, as well as some extra, with you.
- Ensure that your medication is carried in your
hand luggage and spare supplies in your suitcase.
- If you normally use a nebuliser, check that there
are appropriate power outlets where you are going.
You may need to obtain a power point adaptor, or
consider using another medication delivery system
such as a spacer. Plan carefully when travelling to
remote locations. Also ensure that the nebuliser can
be used on the plane. Discuss this with the airline
well in advance as they may wish to inspect the unit
prior to departure.
- Travel to high altitudes is okay as long as your
asthma is well managed at sea level. People with
asthma are not usually affected. Trekking,
sightseeing or skiing should be problem-free when
you have well-controlled asthma, a written Asthma
Action Plan and adequate amounts of medication.
- People with asthma should not scuba dive.
For travellers with allergies:
- Anticipate, where you can, any increased exposure
to allergens, for example to pollens or indoor
pets.
- Warn airlines or resorts of any food
hypersensitivities or intolerances well ahead of
departure.
- If you have experienced anaphylaxis, make sure
your self-administered adrenaline and Anaphylaxis
Action Plan are up to date.
For more information and support, contact your local
Asthma Foundation 1800 645 130.
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